Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Springfield Diner›Cheeseburger Recipe

Cheeseburger Recipe

Inspired by Springfield Diner
Time30m
Serves4

Make Cheeseburger Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties

Buns & Cheese

Toppings & Condiments

Method

Burger Patties

  1. 1

    Forming the patties

    Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently shape each portion into a 3.5–4 inch wide patty about 3/4 inch thick. Avoid overworking the meat to keep patties tender. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing during cooking.

  2. 2

    Seasoning

    Season both sides of each patty evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using Worcestershire sauce, mix it into the meat lightly before forming patties or brush a little on the top of each patty just before cooking.

  3. 3

    Cooking the patties

    Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot (or preheat grill to medium-high). Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Place patties in the pan (do not crowd) and cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes for medium (internal temp ~160°F/71°C). During the last 30–60 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese. Remove patties and let rest 2 minutes.

Buns & Cheese

  1. 4

    Toast the buns

    While patties are cooking or immediately after removing them, spread softened butter on cut sides of the buns. Place buns cut-side down in a clean skillet over medium heat or on the grill grates until golden and lightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Toppings & Assembly

  1. 5

    Prepare toppings

    Wash and dry lettuce. Slice tomato into thick slices and thinly slice the red onion. Lay out pickles.

  2. 6

    Assemble cheeseburgers

    Spread desired condiments on the toasted bun bottoms (ketchup, mustard, and/or mayonnaise). Place a lettuce leaf or a small handful of shredded lettuce on the bun, then a tomato slice and a few onion rings. Add the hot cheese-topped patty on top of the tomato. Top the patty with 2 pickle slices (or as desired). Finish with the toasted bun top and gently press to hold together.

  3. 7

    Serve

    Serve immediately while hot with fries or a side salad. Offer extra condiments at the table.

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